The cyclists had a false start after leaving Rochester Cathedral

The cyclists took a "different route than originally planned" on a "neutral" section from Rochester to Chatham.

The first finishers crossed the line in Canterbury at about 1530 BST, around an hour later than expected.

A Tour of Britain spokesman could not confirm how or why the race ended up taking an unexpected diversion.

Several thousand spectators lined the streets to see the competitors ride off from Rochester Castle just after 1030 BST on Saturday.

Mid-race protest

But the race spokesman said they didn't take the "original planned route".

"As soon as they could get back on the way they did, but only after ensuring the safety of riders and spectators," he said.

"The result was that Medway residents had a longer period to view the procession."

He said the parade lap was extended by 26 minutes as a result of the wrong turn.

London stage

However, proceedings were further delayed due to a mid-race protest by the riders over the practice lap mix-up.

They refused to break off from the peloton, the main body of cyclists, for much of the race.

Italian Francesco Chicchi was eventually first over the line in Rheims Way, Canterbury.

The 155km (96-mile) route for the fifth stage of the Tour of Britain also went through Paddock Wood, Goudhurst, Tenterden, Hythe and Dover.